Police arrest suspects after fatal attack on UOG student in Goroka

A third-year student from the University of Goroka was killed over the weekend during a drunken brawl in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale confirmed the incident during a media conference yesterday, saying three suspects are currently detained at the Goroka Police Station cell block.

According to police, the deceased (identified) from Kompiam, had been drinking with friends at a club in Faniufa. While returning home, their vehicle was involved in a minor accident with another vehicle between Lahanis and Aero Club.

“The other vehicle went into a ditch but was pulled out by its passengers,” Superintendent Kale said.

"They then followed the vehicle carrying the student to North Goroka, where an argument broke out. The attackers smashed the cab’s windscreen, and one suspect struck the student on the head with an object, resulting in his death.”

The fatal attack occurred on Saturday night between 10 and 11 pm.

Superintendent Kale said the incident was not related to tribal fighting or other ongoing issues at the university, indicating it as an isolated and unfortunate incident.

Police have arrested the main suspect, while five other individuals [three females and two males] are being held in custody as investigations continue. More arrests are expected.

Meanwhile, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Kinoka Feo has strongly condemned the killing.

“A young student with a promising future has had his life unnecessarily cut short,” Minister Feo said. “On behalf of the government, I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the University of Goroka community.”

The Minister commended police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and praised the UOG Student Representative Council [SRC] for maintaining calm and respecting the rule of law while the investigation proceeds.

“I salute and applaud the leadership of the SRC and the entire student body for allowing justice to take its course,” Minister Feo said.